“But when you fast, anoint your head and wash your face, so that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:17-18
Understanding the Purpose of Fasting
Fasting is an important aspect of our faith, often seen as a way to draw closer to God. It is not merely an act of abstaining from food, but rather a spiritual discipline that allows us to focus our hearts and minds on God. When we fast, it brings clarity and deeper insight into our relationship with Him. We often seek God’s guidance and strength during these times, seeking His presence over the distractions of our daily lives. The Bible presents fasting as a means of humility, repentance, and devotion, reminding us that the primary goal is to connect intimately with our Creator. Through this, we are expected to grow both spiritually and relationally with God.
Matthew 6:16
“When you fast, do not look somber as the hypocrites do, for they disfigure their faces to show others they are fasting. Truly I tell you, they have received their reward in full.” – Matthew 6:16
Isaiah 58:6
“Is not this the kind of fasting I have chosen: to loose the chains of injustice and untie the cords of the yoke, to set the oppressed free and break every yoke?” – Isaiah 58:6
Joel 2:12
“Even now,” declares the Lord, “return to me with all your heart, with fasting and weeping and mourning.” – Joel 2:12
Acts 13:3
“So after they had fasted and prayed, they placed their hands on them and sent them off.” – Acts 13:3
Ezra 8:23
“So we fasted and petitioned our God about this, and he answered our prayer.” – Ezra 8:23
Fasting with Prayer
We often find that fasting is complemented by prayer. This combination allows us to deepen our faith and connection to God. When we fast, we should pray earnestly, for prayer is where we communicate and listen to God’s voice. It is through prayer that we align our desires with God’s will and seek His guidance for our lives. Our prayers during fasting help to refocus our hearts on what’s truly important and deepen our relationship with God. It serves as a reminder that God doesn’t just want us to abstain from food; He wants us to engage earnestly with Him. Together, prayer and fasting can be transformative experiences.
Matthew 17:21
“However, this kind does not go out except by prayer and fasting.” – Matthew 17:21
Mark 1:35
“Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed.” – Mark 1:35
Luke 5:16
“But Jesus often withdrew to lonely places and prayed.” – Luke 5:16
1 Thessalonians 5:17
“Pray without ceasing.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:17
James 5:16
“Therefore confess your sins to each other and pray for each other so that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person is powerful and effective.” – James 5:16
The Attitude of Our Hearts When We Fast
The attitude we bring to fasting is just as important as the act itself. When we fast, it should come from a sincere heart, seeking God for renewal or guidance rather than a mere ritual. We must ensure our intentions are pure and not for gaining recognition from others. A true fast is done with humility, as we acknowledge our dependence on God. It reflects our desire to devote time and energy to God’s work and our need for His grace. God desires full participation of our hearts, so as we practice fasting, we should ensure it is a genuine act of love and devotion.
Psalms 69:10
“When I wept and humbled my soul with fasting, that became my reproach.” – Psalms 69:10
Isaiah 57:15
“For this is what the High and Exalted One says—he who lives forever, whose name is holy: ‘I live in a high and holy place, but also with the one who is contrite and lowly in spirit, to revive the spirit of the lowly and to revive the heart of the contrite.” – Isaiah 57:15
Psalms 35:13
“But as for me, when they were sick, my clothing was sackcloth; I humbled myself with fasting, and my prayer would return to my own heart.” – Psalms 35:13
Micah 6:8
“He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.” – Micah 6:8
Matthew 5:8
“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they will see God.” – Matthew 5:8
The Rewards of Fasting
When we choose to fast with the right intentions, there are great rewards that come from God. These rewards can be both spiritual as well as physical. God promises that He will bless those who seek Him earnestly, and that includes our times of fasting. As we focus on Him, we may find clarity in our paths and a renewed sense of purpose. God honors our dedication, and therefore the outcomes of our fasting will be seen in our hearts. It encourages us, enabling us to become stronger as we grow in faith. It is important for us to always remember that the true reward lies in our relationship with God.
Psalms 37:4
“Take delight in the Lord, and he will give you the desires of your heart.” – Psalms 37:4
Matthew 6:18
“So that it will not be obvious to others that you are fasting, but only to your Father, who is unseen; and your Father, who sees what is done in secret, will reward you.” – Matthew 6:18
Luke 6:38
“Give, and it will be given to you: a good measure, pressed down, shaken together and running over, will be poured into your lap. For with the measure you use, it will be measured to you.” – Luke 6:38
Proverbs 21:21
“Whoever pursues righteousness and love finds life, prosperity and honor.” – Proverbs 21:21
Proverbs 11:25
“A generous person will prosper; whoever refreshes others will be refreshed.” – Proverbs 11:25
Types of Fasting
Fasting can take many forms. From complete fasting, where we abstain from all food, to partial fasting, where we might omit certain foods or meals, God invites us to participate in different ways. The type of fast we choose should align with our personal calling and needs. Each type has its purpose, whether for repentance, seeking guidance, or simply drawing closer to God. Recognizing this variety helps us to select the most suitable approach for our spiritual journey. The key is to ensure that any chosen fast prioritizes our connection with God and serves to enhance our walk with Him.
Daniel 10:3
“I ate no choice food; no meat or wine touched my lips; and I used no lotions at all until the three weeks were over.” – Daniel 10:3
Luke 4:2
“Where for forty days he was tempted by the devil. He ate nothing during those days, and at the end of them he was hungry.” – Luke 4:2
Acts 14:23
“Paul and Barnabas appointed elders for them in each church and, with prayer and fasting, committed them to the Lord, in whom they had put their trust.” – Acts 14:23
1 Corinthians 7:5
“Do not deprive each other except for mutual consent and for a time, so that you may devote yourselves to prayer. Then come together again so that Satan will not tempt you because of your lack of self-control.” – 1 Corinthians 7:5
Matthew 4:4
“Jesus answered, ‘It is written: Man shall not live on bread alone, but on every word that comes from the mouth of God.'” – Matthew 4:4
Fasting Together as a Community
Fasting is not just an individual experience; it can also be a beautiful act of community. When we come together as a church or group to fast, we create a powerful bond that can uplift and inspire faith among us. The collective purpose behind coming together in fasting builds unity and a shared focus on seeking God’s will. By supporting each other during our spiritual fast, we can grow stronger as a community, encouraging one another and lifting each other’s burdens. Community fasting can lead to multiplied blessings and a deepened sense of connection with God and each other.
Matthew 18:19
“Again, truly I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything they ask for, it will be done for them by my Father in heaven.” – Matthew 18:19
Philippians 1:3-5
“I thank my God every time I remember you. In all my prayers for all of you, I always pray with joy because of your partnership in the gospel from the first day until now.” – Philippians 1:3-5
Acts 1:14
“They all joined together constantly in prayer, along with the women and Mary the mother of Jesus, and with his brothers.” – Acts 1:14
Romans 12:10
“Be devoted to one another in love. Honor one another above yourselves.” – Romans 12:10
Hebrews 10:24-25
“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25
Final Thoughts
As we learn about fasting and how it can shape our spiritual lives, we find that it is an opportunity to grow in our relationship with God. Through prayer, reflection, and seeking His guidance, we can deepen our faith and experience the rewards that come with it. Let’s remember that fasting is not about the act itself but about the sincere intentions of our hearts. Whether we fast alone or together as a community, our focus should be on building a closer bond with God.
We encourage everyone to explore various aspects of fasting and its significance in our walk of faith. It is not just an obligation but an invitation to connect more profoundly with our Creator. As we consider our individual journeys, let us embrace these spiritual practices as ways to grow closer to God.
For those seeking to deepen their understanding of related topics, we invite you to read about gathering to eat or visit Bible Repository for more insights.